Photography tips to capture flying birds

05 September 2018

Taking impeccable and breathtaking photographs of birds during their flight is not an easy task. It often requires a great deal of patience accompanied by lady luck. Being at the right place at the right time also varies in a significant aspect.

Choosing a location

Determining the right destination and spot is crucial. Birds can be seen near river banks or lakes due to their abundant source of food and water. Settle on places up on a hill that gives you perfect view of the birds. Keep in mind the position of the sun, the light coming behind you and wind direction. These are all key factors that aid your desire in getting an amazing aerial photograph.

Lighting

Lighting plays a very vital role in achieving that shot. Ideal times of perfect light that highlight the shot would be either in support of golden rays of sunlight in early morning or evening.

Disguise yourself

Birds tend to venture less in areas of human presence. To avoid this mistake, do not forget to disguise yourself in camouflage to prevent detection. Tip to be noted as well is, do not stand as they can notice you relatively more, instead settle up on a seated position and wait for the perfect shot.

Study your subject

Learning and researching on your ideal bird’s habitats and nature can help you predict their prospective movements and locations where they tend to be.

Lens

Selecting the right lens plays a crucial role in capturing the perfect shot. Possessing the fastest and largest mm lens can help you. In particularly aerial photography, the ideal lens is anywhere from 500 to 600 mm lens.

Tripods

Apt tripods are those who can support and balance the structure of the camera and large lens. Gimbal head is ideal as it requires very little force to move the camera in upward, downward and sideward directions. A less expensive option is the pan head that moreover provides the same facilities.

Exposure

Before setting up your camera for aerial photography, keep in mind the exposure triangle consisting of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get that perfect intensity and right exposure.

Focusing

Composition

Always keep in mind to maintain more space in front of the bird rather than behind it. A good rule is to hold two to three times space in front of the bird. You can do this by keeping the focus on the center of the bird or its eye.

Technique

Apply ace technique in capturing and maneuvering the camera accordingly in a strong position when the bird appears in an ideal location or seems to approach you.